Indigo Naturalis: A Glimpse into Traditional Wellness
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Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) primarily affecting the colon. Individuals with UC may experience various symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody mucopurulent stool, often with periods of flare-ups and remission, which can significantly impact their quality of life. Additionally, there is an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer over time with this condition.
While conventional treatments for UC, such as aminosalicylates and glucocorticosteroids, have advanced, they can present limitations, including issues with drug tolerance, potential side effects, extended treatment durations, and high recurrence rates. This highlights an ongoing need to explore diverse approaches for managing UC.
Within this context, Indigo Naturalis (IN), also known as Qing Dai, a traditional substance from Eastern medicine, has attracted scientific interest. For over a millennium, IN has been a valued component of traditional Chinese and Japanese (Kampo) medicine, traditionally recognized for its characteristics that may address inflammation. This notable natural compound is carefully extracted from the leaves and stems of the indigo plant.
IN's historical application in traditional herbal supplements and health foods underscores its long-standing use. Historically, IN has been traditionally utilized in Eastern medicine for managing symptoms and supporting well-being in individuals, even in cases of Ulcerative Colitis that were unresponsive to some conventional treatments like 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), prednisolone, and infliximab. Its primary active components include indigo, indirubin, tryptanthrin, and qingdainone.
In our subsequent posts, we will delve into scientific studies that investigate the mechanisms underlying IN’s traditional uses and the potential effects observed in managing UC.
